Free Papua Movement
The Free Papua Movement or Free Papua Organization (Indonesian: Organisasi Papua Merdeka, OPM, Tok Pisin: Fri Wes Papua Grup) is a name given to independence movement based on Western New Guinea, seeking the secession of the territory currently administered by Indonesia as the provinces of Central Papua, Highland Papua, Papua, South Papua, Southwest Papua, and West Papua, also formerly known as Papua, Irian Jaya and West Irian.
| Free Papua Movement | |
|---|---|
| Organisasi Papua Merdeka, OPM | |
| Leaders | Jacob Hendrik Prai (until 2022) |
| Dates of operation | 1 December 1963 – present |
| Active regions | Central Papua, Highland Papua, Papua, South Papua, Southwest Papua, and West Papua |
| Ideology | Papuan nationalism Revolutionary nationalism Separation from Indonesia Anti-colonialism Anti-imperialism |
| Allies | Libya (until 2011) |
| Opponents | Indonesia |
| Designated as a terrorist group by | Indonesia |
The movement consists of three elements: a disparate group of armed units each with limited territorial control with no single commander; several groups in the territory that conduct demonstrations and protests; and a small group of leaders based abroad that raise awareness of issues in the territory whilst striving for international support for independence.
Since its inception, the OPM has attempted diplomatic dialogue, conducted Morning Star flag-raising ceremonies, and undertaken militant actions as part of the Papua conflict. Supporters routinely display the Morning Star flag and other symbols of Papuan unity, such as the national anthem "Hai Tanahku Papua" and a national coat of arms, which had been adopted in the period 1961 until Indonesian administration began in May 1963 under the New York Agreement. Beginning in 2021, the movement is considered as a separatist terrorist organisation (Indonesian: Kelompok Teroris dan Separatis) in Indonesia, and its activities have incurred charges of treason and terrorism.